McGee rescues Athlone

Waterford were held to a draw by 10-man Athlone Town at the RSC last night in a game marred by some bizzare refereeing by Kildare’s Adriano Reale.

It was a stunning goal that gave the home side the lead on 15 minutes when a fine run from Seamus Long set up Gary Dempsey, who controlled superbly before giving keeper Pat Jennings no chance.

After playing second fiddle for the majority of the match, the visitors struck for an equalising goal on 37 minutes when Niall Scullion, on his first start of the season, whipped in a fantastic right-wing cross for Noel McGee to power home a header from eight yards.

The game turned on 41 minutes when referee Reale failed to point to the spot after striker Mark Sherlock was tripped in the area by Blues defender Craig Burns.

Athlone captain Noel McGee was left fuming and was booked for remonstrating with the referee. He then decided to give assistant referee Michelle O’Neill a piece of his mind and was given a straight red card for his troubles.

Athlone stopper Jennings came to his side’s rescue twice, both times denying Peter White, as the 10 men held on.

WATERFORD UNITED: Holden, Carey, Frost, Dempsey, Burns, Long, Phelan (Coad 85), White, Walshe (Maguire 65), Ryan, Dunphy.

ATHLONE TOWN: Jennings, Scullion, Kenny, Danagher, McCarthy, Walshe (Gill 90), Coleman, Hughes, Broughall (Williamson 59), Sherlock (Barrett 72), McGee.

Referee: Adriano Reale (Kildare)